A SOAPSTONE SEAL Attributed to Chen Yuzhong, possibly Jiaqing Of rectangular section, the finial with carved archaistic taotie masks, the side inscribed '嘉慶戊午春月為易白先生作於求是齋' (Made for Mr. Yi Bai at Qiushizhai in Spring of the Wuwu year (1798) during the reign of Jiaqing), and '錢塘陳豫鐘' (Chen Yuzhong of Qiantang), the seal face carved in seal script. 10.8cm (4 1/4in) high 注脚 Chen Yuzhong was a member of the Zhejiang School of sea carving, which was founded by Ding Jing (1697-1768); the school focused on revitalising the art by adoption the older, simpler, Han-style of calligraphy, and was soon patronised by notable courtiers. Chen Yuzhong, Ding Jing and seven fellow students, were known as the Eight Masters of Xiling.